President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the turnover yesterday of more than 200 new vehicles and heavy equipment to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), vowing to provide faster and more responsive irrigation services to help Filipino farmers cope with climate change and rising food demand.
Speaking at the ICON JCB C6 Yard in Barangay Wawa, Taguig City, Mr. Marcos underscored the importance of the third tranche of the NIA’s Re-fleeting Program in modernizing irrigation services and increasing food production across the country.
“With these vehicles, backhoes, dump trucks, and excavators, we can accelerate the repair of damaged irrigation systems and the construction of new projects,” the President said.
“From Luzon to Mindanao, our farmers will have more reliable access to water, whether in lowlands or uplands,” he added.
The President said the upgraded fleet will enable the NIA to respond more efficiently to the needs of 257 national irrigation systems and over 8,800 communal systems nationwide.
He emphasized the link between improved irrigation and greater harvest yields, better crop quality, and higher farmer incomes.
“This equipment means food on the table and a stronger agricultural sector,” Mr. Marcos said.
As Filipino farmers continue to struggle with extreme weather conditions brought about by climate change, the President reiterated his administration’s commitment to climate resilience and fast action in agricultural infrastructure.
“Climate change has made it harder to predict our seasons—droughts are harsher, rains are heavier, and weather is increasingly erratic,” he said.
“That’s why we need rapid, durable solutions,” President Marcos added.
The President urged NIA personnel to safeguard and properly use the new equipment and to actively engage with farmers in the field.
“Don’t wait for them to come to you. Go to them. Listen to their needs. Serve them with integrity,” he said.
Seventeen mini buses were also turned over as part of the tranche to improve staff mobility during field inspections, inter-agency coordination, and consultations, especially in remote areas.
Addressing farmer beneficiaries in attendance, he expressed gratitude and pledged continued government support.
“You are the backbone of our nation. We know the hardship you face, and we honor your sacrifices,” the president said.
“This administration will not stop pursuing programs that will improve your future,” he added.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated. Originally posted with the headline “PBBM leads turnover of new NIA equipment to boost irrigation.”
